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There are dozens of books on bicycle training techniques and programs. Most are intended for competitive racers but the general rules also apply to recreational and touring riders. A search on Amazon should locate several titles and your local library may have some.

BTW, John Schubert had a very good summary article in a the July/August '07 AC magazine.

calisthenics; these kinds of exercises can help you look better but they won't help you ride better. You need cardiovascular development and leg work. Seconding DaveB's reference to Amazon, tons of books on riding fitness.

Most experts believe that training starts with aerobic conditioning. There are many programs and books written about it generally around using HEART RATE MONITORS. Chris Carmichael, Edmund Burke, Fred Matheny, to name just three authors. Libraries have these and/or others. Matheny's books are out of print but are available electonically at www.roadbikerider.com. (Lots of great information for free via their weekly email and much more for a fee at the "premium" site) You can also do ONLINE COACHING coaching with businesses such as Carmichael's CTS (he was Lance Armstrong's coach). Bicycling Magazine also always has training tips and in their online version.

Here's my training program: I work around my properties when not touring - mowing, trimming trees, mixing concrete, painting, etc. I do a leisurely, flat, unloaded 60-75 miles every Sunday morning. When it comes time to tour I load up my bike and take off.

Thx litespeed, I've been doing appx 120-130 mi a week broke up into 20-30 mi trips without a load. as for aerobic exercise driftlessregion, I'm getting an HRM this next week and a that book "The Complete Long-Distance Cycling" as well as "Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bicycle Maintainance and Repair" perhaps Tuesday or Wendesday. again everyone thx for all the info.